“Through close coordination with our state and federal partners, we are confident all appropriate steps have been taken to ensure that seafood harvested from the waters being opened today is safe and that Gulf seafood lovers everywhere can be confident eating and enjoying the fish and shrimp that will be coming out of this area,” said Hamburg.

“The fishermen and processors in the Gulf want to know that all of the proper protocols and testing methods were used to ensure that the seafood is safe,” added Hamburg. “FDA is supporting Louisiana in this reopening as it is clear that all the proper protocol and methods were indeed followed.”

With testing still underway, the FDA has not yet made a determination on crab safety in the newly reopened waters.

Last week, as NOAA reopened one-third of federal waters for fishing, after the section had been oil-free for thirty days and seafood tested negative for contamination, federal officials also emphasized the safety protocols in place.

“Following the best science for this re-opening provides important

assurance to the American people that the seafood they buy is safe and

protects the Gulf seafood brand and the many people who depend on it for

their livelihoods,” said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke.

Jane

Lubchenco, under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and

NOAA administrator, also weighed in on the reopening. “NOAA is working to protect public safety

while minimizing harm to the fishing industry,” said Lubchenco. “We are confident that